Hi....I have done extensive testing of this laminator and developed this:
http://www.amazon.com/Apache-AL13P-Professional-Laminator-Documents/dp/B0012UEQ5C/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_8I have also, subsequently, determined the fire hazard....and it's cause.
If you over tighten the tensioning screws at the bottom to get one pass
results, the motor can 'stall'. This causes the side mounted heat
sensor to NOT see the top and bottom roller heating and the heater goes
full duty cycle , melting the roller surfaces near it producing a lot of
white smoke and ash. You can recommission the 'failed' laminator by
swapping the hot and cold roller sets and wrapping the damaged rollers
in kapton tape after cleaning them. Even if they are not round anymore
they serve no function other than to help transport the laminated item,
they don't do the laminating. The motor should be lubricated and tension
reduced. Upgrading the starting capacitor from 1.55uf to 2.0uF can also
prevent 'starting' stalls.
To be sure this doesn't happen (again) I remove the grey heat shield
cover so I can see the rollers. Do not leave the unit unattended for
more than a minute or 2.
I am looking at upgrading my mod. (above) to also handle and protect
against this 'failure' condition.
Ancel